Jamie Wake and his late husband Sel Jones could scoop the coveted Community Champion crown after being put forward by Brendan Nagle, who said: “Together they have been supporting the LGBT community in and around the Reading area for many years up to the Sel’s untimely death in December 2015, a legacy which Jamie now continues as a tribute to his late husband.

“Sel worked as a science teacher at Denefield School and Theale Green School, and was known for his support to hundreds of young people coming to terms with their sexuality through his work as a youth worker for the Reach Out youth group.

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“In their local community of Kennet Island, neighbours describe Sel as a true champion with a strong sincere sense of community

“Jamie, although actually a shy guy, did manage to brave the main stage at Reading Pride, but always under the guise of “Sue Panover”, his drag alter ego.

"He always used this platform to fight for equal rights for the LGBT community, including being a loud voice in the equal marriage campaign.”

Selwyn Jones and Jamie Wake pictured at their wedding

Mr Nagle went on: “Jamie also set up www.ok2bgay.co.uk and has a number of videos on YouTube under outcastlgbttv where he gives advice, comfort and support to people, especially young people, letting them know that “It’s ok to be gay”."

Mr Wake organises the annual hate crime vigil in Reading and, last year, was asked to make a speech at the Reading Orlando vigil.

“Jamie did it to honour Selwyn and to take up the mantle left by him, and is doing an amazing job and finding an inner strength that he never knew he had.

“In addition to trying to rebuild his life, he has set up the Selwyn Jones Trust as a means to keep his husband’s legacy alive.”

This year, Mr Wake organised a vigil to support those currently being jailed, tortured and murdered in Chechnya, for being LGBT.

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And he won the Mr Leather UK competition, using his title to continue to fight for equality and to raise money for charity.

He is currently setting up “New Foundationz” to support the LGBT community when they find themselves having to start again following widowhood.

On being told of the couple’s Pride of Reading nomination, Mr Wake, 39, said: “The little things I do are tiny compared to what many local people do here in Reading, and I definitely cannot be compared to the impact Sel had on so many people.

“Starting again in life has been the hardest thing I have ever had to do, and anything I can do to help others can only be a good thing.

“I suppose I have done a lot in Sel's name since he passed away - it’s a way of keeping his legacy alive - as well as being a good distraction.

Jamie Wake as Mr Leather UK (Image: UGC TMS)

“He made a joke about me entering Mr Leather UK, and when he passed away two weeks later, I made a bucket list of things meaningful to both of us and I entered the competition in his memory.

“Some might think it’s just a male beauty pageant but I’ve had a very surreal year so far travelling the world and talking internationally about my experiences - I’ve been homeless [in the past], I’ve encountered hate crime, I talk about safe sex and been very candid about my bereavement.

“I hope that it helps others in similar situations and I want to be a role model for the next generation so that they know it really is ok to be gay.”